WB puts on a show at Boston's new arts pavilion.

Location, location, location--a truism in real estate. For WB Engineers location was a critical element to consider for the design and construction of the Stanford Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Mass. The focus was on the location of the theaters and support spaces, for which WB Engineers designed the MEP/FP systems, in relation to the other spaces within the complex.

The construction of the 35,000 s/f Stanford Calderwood Pavilion was conceived in 1995, when Boston Mayor Thomas Menino established a taskforce for the development of a blighted property next to the Boston Center for the Arts. The taskforce was charged to expand affordable cultural facilities, provide a subsidy to the BCA and create an architectural presence that would be compatible with local community interests. This project signified the first new theater space built in Boston in more than 75 years.

The Drucker Company, Ltd. was selected to develop the property into a mixed-use complex--including two theaters, retail space and residential areas. Working with the architectural firm Wilson Butler Architects, WB Engineers provided MEP/FP design and construction administration services for the 350-seat proscenium theater, the 200-seat black box theater and the associated rehearsal space. Two key factors guided the MEP/FP design: location and aesthetics.

The Stanford Calderwood Pavilion, home to both the proscenium and studio theaters, is adjacent to a complex which includes luxury condos, a two-level parking garage and retail space. Sound separation was the first design priority. In order to achieve this, WB worked with the acoustical consultant to make sure that the equipment selected could accommodate any required sound attenuation measures.

In addition to separating the theaters from their adjacencies, the firm had to isolate them from each other and from the large mechanical room housing the mechanical systems. Again, the design had to be closely planned in association with the acoustical consultant to ensure that the unique heating/cooling requirements of each space were met while also complying with the established acoustical criteria.

The architectural design for the proscenium theater greatly impacted the MEP/FP design. Both the public lobbies and the theater are intricately detailed, with a combination of millwork and architectural plaster. The MEP/FP design challenge was to develop a powerful and flexible system that could appropriately cool and maintain a consistent temperature within the theater as it filled to capacity, in addition to developing a system that did not distract from the architectural design. Our solution was two-fold: WB Engineers selected specialized equipment and systems and designed the ductwork to be placed high in ceiling, out of view from theater goers. We also coordinated every detail with the architect, code consultant, acoustical engineer, structural engineer, theatrical consultant and lighting designer.

The studio theater, originally intended as a rehearsal space but frequently used as performance space, is unique in its flexibility. The seating and the stage can be moved as required for a performance. Again, the design was adapted to match the aesthetic design of the theater while also promoting the flexibility of this space.

The construction of the Pavilion required careful coordination among a large and diverse team in order to keep the project on schedule. From the vision of a Boston Mayor to the dedication of the project team--the result of this 10-year undertaking is a new cultural landmark in Boston.